800 Acres In Kutch Sold Illegally For Solar Project, 116 Farmers Allege Fraud
Police probe notarised land deal after farmers say documents were forged and consent was never given
A land fraud case has emerged in Kutch East, Gujarat, where about 800 acres of agricultural land belonging to 116 farmers was allegedly sold for a proposed solar power project without the owners’ knowledge or consent, prompting a police investigation.
The Gogodar police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita after farmers discovered a notarised agreement that showed their land being transferred at a fixed rate of Rs 4,21,000 per acre.
The disputed parcels are located in Bhimdevka and Fulpara villages. The matter came to light after farmer Arvind Koli received a PDF copy of an alleged sale deed on WhatsApp. The document included details of his late father’s 5.5-acre holding, along with land belonging to several other villagers.
On checking the records, Koli said neither he nor the other affected farmers had ever discussed or agreed to sell their land. The agreement named Anupsinh Jadeja as the buyer and listed Veera Bharwad, Mera Bharwad and Mamu Koli among the sellers.
When contacted by the police, Jadeja reportedly said the document had been prepared by others. None of the farmers named in the agreement have confirmed any involvement in the transaction or receipt of payment.
Police officials said they are examining the authenticity of the documents, the roles of the individuals named, and whether any money changed hands based on the alleged agreement.
The case has raised concerns over fraudulent land transactions linked to renewable energy projects, where forged documents and unauthorised deals can surface only after agreements are circulated, leaving landowners unaware until much later.
